The proliferation of millions of fuel powered vehicles in the United States impart enormous environmental and economical consequences, which are becoming increasingly apparent and prompting radical change in future automobile production. Aside from the enormous impact that vehicle pollutants have on the environment, the unpredictable and seemingly ever rising prices at the pump impact consumers on a daily basis. Alternative energy vehicles are slowly entering the automobile market, but are far from widespread and do not provide immediate relief to the common vehicle owner. As technological capabilities and production volume of alternative energy vehicles increase, the prices will drop, thus making more consumers able to reap the benefits. But for most people, adopting such innovations is far into the future and immediate relief is still desired.
Below are some ways you can reduce the fuel consumption of your vehicle, save money at the pump and do your part to minimize your affect on the environment:
? First and foremost, maintain your vehicle. Regular tune-ups go a long way in maximizing the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Make sure to regularly replace your air filter, as obstructed air flow increases fuel waste. Have the alignment of chassis parts and suspension occasionally checked as well. Uneven wheels, bad shocks and bent axles can affect your vehicle’s fuel usage.
? Drive conservatively. Accelerate slowly from a start, and generally try not to press the accelerator more than a quarter of the way to the floor. Avoid revving the engine, another surefire way to needlessly burn fuel. In manual transmission vehicles, shifting as soon as possible (i.e.- not revving) without bogging down the engine will help maximize fuel efficiency. As opposed to accelerating and decelerating often, driving at a steady pace will help maximize your vehicle’s fuel economy. Also, anticipate hills and accelerate before you approach them, instead of while you are driving against an incline.
? Do not underestimate physics. Driving faster than about 40 miles per hour dramatically increases wind resistance and thus fuel consumption. Obey speed limits to minimize wasted fuel, not to mention traffic citations that are sure to cost you as much as several tanks. While using the air conditioner does waste fuel at low speeds, its use is preferred at high speeds as opposed to driving with the windows down, which would increase resistance and therefore reduce your vehicle’s gas mileage.
Maintaining your vehicle, modifying your driving habits and realizing the affect of resistance on gas mileage as advised above will reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption as well as the impact of driving on your finances. A simple way to determine mileage per gallon is to start with a full tank and set your odometer to zero. The next time you fill up, divide the mileage on the odometer reading by the number of gallons you purchase, giving you the miles driven per gallon on the last tank. For example, if you drove 358 miles and used 13.3 gallons, your vehicle’s gas mileage calculates to 358 miles/13.3 gallons = 26.9 miles per gallon. To ensure that you are getting the most from your fuel conservation efforts, periodically determine your vehicle’s mileage per gallon and have your vehicle checked in the event of major changes to its fuel efficiency.
Volkswagen Jetta Fuel Economy
Racing cars have used this strategy for a long time. Airlines have used this same strategy on their jets and planes. Even large retailers are starting to offer it to their customers.
So what exactly is this strategy? It seems to be the new rage in tires. It involves using nitrogen to inflate your tires instead of air.
This new idea of inflating tires with nitrogen is becoming so popular that now Costco offers nitrogen fill ups for their customers as an option when they buy new tires. Why would you want to fill your tires with nitrogen? Why do race cars and jets use nitrogen? Is there something they know that we don't?
Here is what nitrogen is supposed to do. It is supposed to keep your tires inflated at the proper level longer than air will. Apparently nitrogen seeps out of your tires at a rate reported to be three times slower than air. The logic here is that if your tires are maintained at the proper pressure for a longer period of time then you will save gas because under inflated tires increase friction and decrease fuel economy.
The supporters of nitrogen use say that aside from the gas saving benefits there are other benefits. Nitrogen supposedly runs at cooler temperatures than air. That means your tires will run at a cooler temperature and that means less expansion in the tire. The result of that is your tires should require less maintenance and could have a longer life.
Corrosion protection of the rim and of the tire itself are other claimed benefits . Air contains oxygen so it begins to oxidize anything it is in contact with. Rims of your tires will be oxidizing or rusting because it is exposed to the oxygen in the tire. The walls of the tire itself begin oxidizing and breaking down with exposure to oxygen.
If you fill a tire with pure nitrogen then there is no oxygen in the tire. The result: no oxidation will occur. The claimed benefit? Your tires should be safer and last longer.
Are these claims true? Is nitrogen a wonder drug for your tires? It is certainly worth a thorough investigation. The Jury is still out on this.
Both Greg Chapman & Scott Siegel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Greg Chapman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Brakes, Cars and Air Filters. About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading has depended on since 1959. For more information please visit. Greg Chapman's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
Scott Siegel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Motorcycle Tips and Family. Scott Siegel has written a 143 page book of industry insider secrets on saving gas and money at the pump (beatthegaspump.com). Visit us to learn how you can get
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